Hearing loss is a common problem that affects up to 7 out of 10 people over 65. If you think you have a hearing failure, it’s important to get tested by a qualified audiologist as soon as possible. Here are four common issues and how to effectively deal with them:
1. The Difficulty in Understanding Speech
It can be challenging to understand speech when hearing loss, especially in noisy environments. One way to help improve speech understanding is to ask the speaker to face you directly and speak slowly and clearly. You can also try repeating what the speaker has said to make sure you understand. However, to deal with this issue in the best possible way, you will probably need hearing aids. Book your appointment with a qualified audiologist to get your hearing aids from Staten Island or any other part of New York. They will test your hearing and determine if you need to wear hearing aids, and they’ll even fit them for you.
2. The Difficulty in Hearing In Noise
Besides being unable to understand speech, people with hearing loss generally have hearing problems in noisy environments. These people have issues with isolating the desired sound from the background noise. This can be very frustrating, but there are some tips you can use to help. First, sit in the front row at events so you can hear better or, if you’re in a restaurant, for example, ask to be seated away from the kitchen to a more quiet area. Second, don’t be afraid to ask people to repeat themselves if they mumble or speak too quietly. Third, try using visual cues instead of relying only on sound when possible. For example, watch a speaker’s mouth while they talk.
3. The Difficulty in Using TV or Phone
People with hearing loss often find it hard to use the TV or phone. This is because they have difficulty distinguishing between certain sounds. For example, someone with hearing loss may not differentiate between a “b” and a “p.” To help with this, try using closed captions when watching TV, as this feature lists the words being spoken. As for phone conversations, people with hearing loss prefer texts over phone calls because they can read the text at their own pace.
4. Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound that people with hearing loss sometimes experience. This noise can be very distracting and make it difficult to concentrate. Unfortunately, there’s no way to get rid of tinnitus, but there are some ways to manage it. You could try masking it with background noise. Also, it would be best to use earplugs when you know you’ll be in a noisy environment as noisy environments can make tinnitus worse. Lastly, you could try relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga. You could also see a therapist who can help you manage your tinnitus.
If you’re having trouble with any of these four issues, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with a qualified audiologist. They will test your hearing and determine if you need to wear hearing aids. Hearing aids can help you deal with these issues and improve your quality of life.